New laws on lead testing, exit exam and human-trafficking education affect Newport-Mesa schools

Hundreds of new state laws took effect this year, including some that will govern how the Newport-Mesa Unified School District moves forward.

New school-related laws include testing water for lead, eliminating the California High School Exit Exam and incorporating education for middle and high school students about human trafficking.

Newport-Mesa spokeswoman Annette Franco said the district is talking with three water agencies, including the Mesa Water District in Costa Mesa, to coordinate lead testing at its 32 schools in response to Assembly Bill 746.

The legislation, approved last year by Gov. Jerry Brown, requires water agencies that serve school districts with buildings constructed before 2010 to test for lead. If lead exceeds a certain level, the agency, school or school district is required to notify parents and provide an alternative source of drinking water for students.

Assembly members Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) authored the bill in response to lead contamination at several San Diego-area schools.

Franco said Newport-Mesa isn’t aware of any lead testing in the past. The district hopes to know more in coming months about how to proceed, she said.

High school exit exam

Graduation requirements have changed for the 2018-19 school year.

Brown approved removal of the California High School Exit Exam. The English and math exam had been on hold from 2015 through this school year for a state advisory panel to mull whether it should be modified or scrapped.

Assembly Bill 830, repealing the exam, was authored by Assemblyman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), who argued the exam was “outdated and incompatible” with Common Core State Standards adopted in 2010.

Human-trafficking education

Newport-Mesa plans to adjust its health curriculum to comply with Assembly Bill 1227, which requires public schools to provide education to middle and high school students on prevention of human trafficking.

The legislation, also approved by Brown last year, was authored by Assembly members Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) and Evan Low (D-Campbell) to try to reduce the number of students who could become victims or traffickers.

Franco said Newport-Mesa has had guest speakers on the subject, and some schools have partnered with the district to provide student education.

Priscella.Vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @vegapriscella